Battered Deputy Shoots At Fleeing Suspect

suspect wanted on outstanding warrant

REVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – An off-duty Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputy, working as a security guard at Dixie Crossroads restaurant in Titusville on Garden Street, fired his weapon at a fleeing suspect who had dragged him through the parking lot about 9 p.m. Sunday night, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

An off-duty Brevard County Sheriff’s Deputy, working as a security guard at Dixie Crossroads restaurant in Titusville on Garden Street, fired his weapon at a fleeing suspect who had dragged him through the parking lot about 9 p.m. Sunday night, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. (BCSO image)

After confronting Ronald Murphy, 52, in the parking lot of the popular Titusville landmark, the Deputy ran his driver license and discovered he was wanted on an outstanding warrant, according to authorities.

Upon receiving information that Murphy was wanted, the Deputy reapproached him, and Murphy then entered his vehicle and sped off, briefly dragging the deputy through the parking lot. At that time, the Deputy discharged an undetermined number of rounds at the fleeing suspect. No one was struck by bullets, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

According to witnesses, the Deputy, who has not been identified, had his pants torn and suffered some cuts and bruises, but was not seriously injured.

After pursuing Murphy to his residence, he was taken into custody by law enforcement officers. He was charged with Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Fleeing and Eluding and Resisting Arrest With Violence.